Two ways to get your baby on your back in an Onbuhimo Baby Carrier

Getting your baby on your back in an onbuhimo can feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature! An onbuhimo is a fantastic carrier for older babies and toddlers and it is especially good for pregnancy or anyone managing a prolapse as it has no waist belt and sits higher on your back.

In this guide, I'll walk you through two different methods for getting your baby on your back, plus a bonus tip that every parent using an onbuhimo needs to know.

Method 1: From a Chair

Using a chair or couch is one of the safest and easiest ways to get your baby on your back, especially when you're just starting out with back carries:

1. Place your onbuhimo on a chair or couch with the inside facing up
2. Sit your baby on the chair on top of the carrier
3. Slide baby's legs into the straps and tuck the flap up
4. Stand in front of the chair with your back to your baby
5. Lean down and put the shoulder straps on one at a time
   
6. Stand up carefully, bringing baby with you
7. Clip up the chest clip and re-tuck the seat between you if you need
8. Tighten the shoulder straps while bouncing / shimmying baby higher for a snug, comfortable fit

This method is perfect for beginners because it's controlled and you don't have to lift your baby into position. The chair does the work for you!

Method 2: Walk Like an Egyptian

The "Walk Like an Egyptian" method is a clever technique that gets baby on your back without any furniture needed:

1. Start with your baby on your front - ensuring the chest clip is done up
2. Tuck the flap between you to make the seat
3. Take one arm up out of the top of the strap (like you're reaching for the sky)
4. Take your other arm out of the bottom of the opposite straps (reaching toward the ground)
5. Scoot baby around to your back by bringing them under your arm 
6. Pop both arms back into the straps
7. Tighten the shoulder straps while bouncing / shimmying baby higher for a snug, comfortable fit

The name comes from the pose looking a bit like the classic "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance move! This method is great for moving baby around in a controlled fashion.

Stay tuned for two more methods: The Hip Scoot and The Superman Toss!

Bonus Tip: Moving Fabric Away from Baby's Face

One common concern with back carrying is making sure the fabric isn't bunching around your baby's face or neck (or pushing into your baby's underarms if you have arms out). Here's a simple technique to ensure your little one has clear airways:

Once your baby is on your back and the carrier is secured, reach behind and gently pull down on the bottom of the carrier, bunching it up as you go so that you don't introduce slack again. Continue pulling it tight and away from baby's face and then tuck it between you both. You can also use a mirror to check that baby's face is clear and visible, with their chin off their chest.

Safety Reminders

• Always ensure baby's airways are clear - you should be able to see their face
• Baby's chin should be off their chest
• The carrier should be snug enough that baby doesn't slump
• When learning, practice over a soft surface or use the chair method
• If you're unsure, consult with a babywearing educator

With practice, both of these methods will become quick and easy. The chair method is perfect for everyday use and when you're learning, while Walk Like an Egyptian is a handy technique if you don't have a chair handy. Happy babywearing!